Illinois quick hits: McClain reports to prison

Illinois quick hits: McClain reports to prison

Spread the love

McClain reports to prison

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime associate has begun serving a two-year prison sentence at a federal medical facility and minimum security camp in Lexington, Kentucky.

Michael McClain, a former lobbyist and Illinois state lawmaker, was convicted of conspiracy, bribery and falsifying records at the ComEd Four trial in 2023. McClain reported to FMC Lexington on Monday.

Madigan was convicted on 10 counts of corruption earlier this year and began serving a 7.5-year prison sentence in Morgantown, West Virginia Oct. 13.

House GOP leader disputes Pritzker’s accomplishments

After Gov. J.B. Pritzker released a statement celebrating what he referred to as his administration’s accomplishments in 2025, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said the governor had a bad year.

Pritzker touted the state’s $15-per-hour minimum wage, signing a $1.5 billion funding package for public transportation and standing up to what he called, “The Trump Administration’s attacks on freedom.”

McCombie said Pritzker raised taxes on Illinois families, denied federal relief through “No Tax on Tips and Overtime,” doubled down on sanctuary state policies and avoided what she called “tragic failures” at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the 1,200 children who died under DCFS care during his tenure.

New air national Guard general named

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has named Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff Colonel Steven B. Rice of Morrison, Illinois, as the next Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard.

With the selection, Rice will be promoted to Brigadier General and will serve as one of two governor-appointed deputies to Major General Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. Col. Rice replaces Major General Dan McDonough, who is retiring after nearly 38 years of military service.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Wisconsin Supreme Court rules against race-based scholarships

Wisconsin Supreme Court rules against race-based scholarships

By Jon StyfThe Center Square A Wisconsin college grant program that sent financial aid to students based on specific race, national origin and ancestry cannot legally operate because it violates...
Legislator calls for investigation of Newsom's FOIA request

Legislator calls for investigation of Newsom’s FOIA request

By Robert MattesonThe Center Square Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, is requesting an investigation into Gov. Gavin Newsom’s use of California taxpayers-funded resources after Newsom's recent Freedom of Information Act...
EXCLUSIVE: Social Security reform imperative to avoid 34% tax hike, insolvency by 2032

EXCLUSIVE: Social Security reform imperative to avoid 34% tax hike, insolvency by 2032

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square Policymakers must return Social Security to its original intent in order to avoid massive tax hikes and insolvency, especially in light of a nation burdened...
Property tax rates remain a top issue in Wisconsin elections

Property tax rates remain a top issue in Wisconsin elections

By Jon StyfThe Center Square The future of property taxes in Wisconsin remains one of the largest topics along with affordability heading into this fall’s elections. This week, congressman and...
Taxpayers paying $50 million+ for Chicago-owned bus station

Taxpayers paying $50 million+ for Chicago-owned bus station

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Taxpayers are expected to fork over at least $50 million for Chicago to own and operate a...
Michigan Republicans blast Whitmer's Europe trip as budget deadline nears

Michigan Republicans blast Whitmer’s Europe trip as budget deadline nears

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing criticism from Republicans for traveling to Europe as critical state budget negotiations are ongoing ahead of a July 1...
Zillow faces antitrust suit, consumer fraud claims amid housing crisis

Zillow faces antitrust suit, consumer fraud claims amid housing crisis

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Zillow faces a federal antitrust suit, congressional calls for regulatory scrutiny and a competitor's claim in court that Zillow is a monopolist working against housing...
Illegal immigrants across U.S. get financial aid for college

Illegal immigrants across U.S. get financial aid for college

By Esther Wickham | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State financial aid continues to expand within higher education, allowing money to go to eligible illegal immigrant...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs bill creating new state agency

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs bill creating new state agency

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to the cabinet-level Illinois...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Will County Board Members Spar Over Wheatland Township Mental Health Grant

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 Article Summary: A $155,000 mental health grant to Wheatland Township drew sharp questioning at the Will County Board Executive Committee...
Congressional candidate caught in teen takeover

Congressional candidate caught in teen takeover

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois candidate for Congress says a teen takeover arrived like a storm at a Chicago grocery...
REPORT: 2M Illinoisans face $500 cut as Social Security faces cliff

REPORT: 2M Illinoisans face $500 cut as Social Security faces cliff

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New data and reports from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget have shown that if no...

Illinois Quick Hits: Cook County announces $20M in CVI spending

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced $20 million of taxpayer funding for community violence intervention....
Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As voters express growing concern over inflation, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says federal policies are to blame....
Peoria school safety director faces criticism over social media post

Peoria school safety director faces criticism over social media post

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A social media post by Peoria Public Schools' Director of School Safety is drawing criticism from...